Hydrogel Manufacturing

Katecho is a world leader in designing and manufacturing hydrogels for a variety of applications. We offer a wide range of options for formulating and curing hydrogels, resulting in virtually endless possibilities for hydrogel use. Whether you need hydrogel as a raw material, converted into a subassembly, or assembled directly into a final product, we will work with you to find the right solution.

With state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, experienced professionals at every level, and the passion of building innovation for life, we can turn your idea into a reality. Contact us today to explore the virtually endless possibilities Katecho has to offer as a hydrogel manufacturer.

Design

Standard hydrogels

Standard hydrogels are formulas that we have already developed, tested, and validated, so they are ready to be used right off the shelf. Katecho has a growing number of standard hydrogel formulas that can be used for many different applications, which speeds up the time it takes to get your product to market.

Modified hydrogels

We start with a standard hydrogel then modify how it is processed. We may vary the thickness of the hydrogel, change or remove the hydrogel scrim placement, or coat different substrates with hydrogel. By processing a standard formula differently, we can change its physical properties.

Custom hydrogels

We can develop an entirely new formula from scratch or change the formula of a standard hydrogel to create a custom hydrogel. With both methods we can incorporate additives, such as antibacterial agents, cosmetic agents, coagulants, vitamins, color pigments, pharmaceuticals, and moisturizers.

Manufacturing

Ultraviolet-cured:

Ultraviolet curing gives us the flexibility to process hydrogel three different ways. We can process hydrogel in roll-form to be converted later into a subassembly or final product. We can use pour-in-place processing, which is ideal for automation, and results in less waste, better adhesion, and cost savings. We can also process the hydrogel with 3D-spray, which allows us to spray the hydrogel as a mist to create 3D objects.

Thermo-Reactively cured:

Thermo-reactive curing offers greater flexibility in hydrogel formula composition. This method is used when the hydrogel contains ingredients, such as additives for cosmetics, that cause it to set up instantly. With thermo-reactively cured processing, we have the freedom to mix in virtually any ingredient you desire.

Available formats:

Katecho offers hydrogel as a raw material in roll-form, converted as a sub-assembly, or fully assembled into your finished product.

Applications

Medical:

Our hydrogels are ideal for wound-care applications, such as trauma bandages, burn care treatments, and scar reduction products — as well as for active and transdermal pharmaceutical delivery. Katecho produces hydrogel for numerous electrodes, including monitoring electrodes, stimulating electrodes, grounding pads, defibrillation electrodes, and iontophoresis electrodes. Our hydrogel can also be found in ultrasound gels, products that require sterility, and much more.

Cosmetics:

Katecho hydrogel can be used in wrinkle reduction products, acne treatments, moisturizing face masks, and many other cosmetic applications.

Other:

Our hydrogel has been used for breaching tapes, gaskets, batteries, and several other unique purposes.